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  • A midnight horse ride, a powerful orator, and breaking ground for Altgeld Hall

    Jun 22, 2021 9:30 am by Kimberly Wilson and Dave Evensen
    Groundbreaking for the future Altgeld Hall occurred on June 10, 1896. This photo displays the construction effort as the building opened in 1897. (University Archives.)

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    • Groundbreaking for the future Altgeld Hall occurred on June 10, 1896. This photo displays the construction effort as the building opened in 1897. (University Archives.)

    '[John Peter Altgeld] wanted all the boys and girls of the state to have the same educational opportunities as the children of the wealthy,' wrote former U of I President Andrew Draper, who served when Altgeld was governor.